Additional Observations

Performance seems to improve considerably by dropping MTU from the default 1500 to 1488. However, this has caused kernel instabilities with Debian Squeeze images (debian6-19-04-2012). It is unknown if this performance benefit is also gained on other images, or if these kernel instabilities have been resolved.

Power

This table lists how much power is drawn over the 5V power cable whilst performing various tasks.

Task

Power use (mA)

Notes

Booting (without peripherals)

120-400

Taken from Agilent lab power supply readings. No composite/keyboard/mouse/network connected. HDMI was enabled but the cable was disconnected.

Idling (HDMI on, network on)

370

Taken from Agilent lab power supply readings. No composite/keyboard/mouse connected.

Idling (HDMI on, network off)

320

Taken from Agilent lab power supply readings. No composite/keyboard/mouse/network connected.

1080p video playback

750

About 3h on 4 AA batteries

Text editing

-

Same as idling

Compiling C code (QuakeIII)

364

Measured with a Fluke 87V multimeter. No composite, keyboard, mouse, or network connected. HDMI was connected. Current peaked at 418mA.

Running a Python program

?

Playing Quake III

461

Measured with a Fluke 87V multimeter. No composite or network connected. HDMI was connected. Current peaks at 551mA.